Where to Go This Weekend: Chelsea, Michigan

Craving a micro-vacation? There’s an ideal outing in Chelsea, Michigan this weekend: On July 14, the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society presents the colorfully named 36th Annual One Helluva Ride series, which offers cyclists six looped routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles through Washtenaw, Ingham, Jackson, and Livingston Counties…

By Catey Sullivan

Published July 10, 2012

Cyclists pedaling through Stockbridge, Michigan

Wheels In Motion

Craving a micro-vacation? There’s an ideal outing in Chelsea, Michigan this weekend: On July 14, the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society presents the colorfully named 36th Annual One Helluva Ride series, which offers cyclists six looped routes ranging from 15 to 100 miles through Washtenaw, Ingham, Jackson, and Livingston Counties. Everybody stops for a buffet lunch at Portage Lake State Park, also the beginning and the end of a pair of 15- and 30-mile routes. The other rides—39-, 64-, 75-, 100-milers—start and end at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, where there will be music, watermelon, and showers. And should you break down or otherwise need assistance, the routes are lined with mechanics and volunteers handing out fruit and cold drinks. Registration is $35. Helmets required.

While you’re in the area: A half hour’s drive to Ypsilanti will put you at the epicenter of Michigan’s annual Elvisfest, wherein hundreds of Elvi from the world over will be concertizing on July 13 and 14. For info, mielvisfest.org.

Where to stay: The Chelsea Victorian Inn (118 Middle St., 877-618-4935, chelseahouseinn.com) is convenient to the start of the ride and within walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Chelsea’s historic business district; rates range from $125 to $205 a night. The Waterloo Gardens Bed and Breakfast (7600 Werkner Rd., 877-433-1612, waterloogardensbb.com) is a more contemporary bed-and-breakfast, also convenient to the bike trail and downtown; rates range from $101 to $157.

Where to eat: At the Common Grill (112 S. Main St., 734-475-0470, commongrill.com), executive chef Craig Common serves award-winning American cuisine. Zou Zou’s Café (101 N. Main St., 734-433-4226, zouzouscafe.com) is a favorite among cyclers for hearty soups and sandwiches and strong espresso.